2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary
Planning a 2 weeks in Japan itinerary is one of the best decisions any traveler can make to experience the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Japan is a country where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers, where peaceful gardens meet bustling city life, and where cultural depth is matched by technological innovation. A two-week trip gives you enough time to explore Japan’s most iconic destinations—Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and more—while still leaving room to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
I love Japan: its craftsmanship, its centuries-old culture, and its food! I have traveled to Japan twice, spending just a few days in Tokyo. Last Christmas, my family joined me on a two-week trip to Japan. This trip only included one day in Tokyo, and Osaka was the base for the rest of the trip, visiting Kobe, Nara, and a few other places. Since Kyoto is so beautiful, I planned to spend 3 nights there to have enough time to visit all the temples. This Japan itinerary is packed with culture but also has plenty of time to plan activities and relax. In this Japan itinerary, I will take you to Tokyo and the Kansai region; enjoy!
Japan Itinerary Day 1: Arrival
I love to travel business class and I love to travel with KLM and so does my family. When flights to Osaka and Tokyo were offered for only 50% of their regular cost, I booked 4 tickets for 400,000 miles. Of course, if you don’t have miles, you can also book cheap business class tickets using my tricks. The night flight arrived on time in the morning and then I picked up the rental car I booked with Sunny Cars.
I like their business model because all insurance is included in the price, GPS is always included in the price and so on. GPS is very useful especially in Japan, unless you can read Japanese road signs. Don’t be afraid if the price is a little higher with Sunny Cars because there are no extra charges like many other car providers – it’s all about that. Driving in Tokyo is spectacular, on the left, but you get to see landmarks from a different angle, like Tokyo Tower. Just two hours after landing, I arrived at the InterContinental Tokyo, which would be my home in Tokyo.
Japan Itinerary Days 2 – 4: Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is a huge city with many interesting places to visit. Three of the most important cultural heritage sites are the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa Shrine. Roppongi Hills is my favorite in the evening, but the Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza neighborhoods are also great. I visited most of the interesting places during my previous two trips to Tokyo. I recommend planning to spend at least 2 days in Tokyo to see these places. On the third day, I highly recommend visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market and taking a sushi workshop. Three days in Tokyo will give you a good idea, but there is so much to see and do that you could easily extend it to a week!
Japan Itinerary Day 5: Snow Monkey Park and Tomioka Silk Mill
Japan’s snow monkeys can be seen at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, about a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. On the way, you’ll pass the Tomioka Silk Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. It’s best to visit both sites on the same day and you’ll need a car to get there. If you’re not used to driving on the left, make sure to rent a car with an automatic transmission. This is the hardest part to get used to, especially if you’re only driving for one day.
The Snow Monkey Park is best visited in the winter when the monkeys seek warmth in the hot springs. It’s a beautiful sight! The Tomioka Silk Mill showcases the history of silk production and trade in the area and is a great stop near the halfway point to reach the snow monkeys. I had a great day trip and can highly recommend this to anyone looking to escape Tokyo to add to their Japan itinerary.
Japan Itinerary Day 6: Kansai Region
What do you do if your daughter wants to ride a pink plane? Then you can make it happen and that’s exactly what I did in Japan. Peach is a local Japanese airline that operates flights within Japan and to a few surrounding countries. Their fares are cheap and their process from booking to boarding is very efficient. I flew my family from Tokyo to Osaka which was a short flight and much more efficient than taking the train to the Kansai region.
I am a tall person and their seat height was just right for me for a pleasant flight. I liked the fact that you could drop off your luggage even 45 minutes before boarding, go to the gate and just be on time. I flew from Tokyo in the morning so that I had half a day in Osaka to explore this huge city. In Osaka I recommend buying an ICOCA smart card which is valid for public transport in the Kansai region, you don't need the JR pass (expensive). I recommend flying the pitch in Japan.
Japan Itinerary Day 7: A Day in Osaka
Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, the largest in the Kansai region, and a great place to visit. There are some interesting temples, museums, and of course Osaka Castle, but Osaka is best used for exploring the Kansai region. That’s exactly what I did; day trips to various places (see later days) and back to Osaka for dinner, drinks, and nightlife. I’ll share with you where to eat and drink in a separate article later. I stayed at the InterContinental Osaka because it was located near Umeda Station, one of Osaka’s two major train hubs.
Japan Itinerary Day 8: A Day Trip to Nara
Nara is a city with over 13 centuries of history and has long served as the capital of Japan. Its historical ruins are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and can be visited as a day trip from Osaka. Departing from Osaka around 7am, you will have a full day to explore Nara; this is the longest day of this Japan itinerary. There are basically two groups of temples, the last of which I recommend ending at Nara Park. They are all a must-see in Japan as their structures are truly beautiful. It is a long day to explore and requires some planning which I will discuss in more detail in the article of the day.
Japan Itinerary Day 9: Kobe (Kansai Region) Day Trip
I visited Kobe on January 1st, which is a 20-25 minute train ride from Osaka: I could have literally walked over people because it was so crowded. It also has a charm and all sorts of activities were organized on the streets throughout the city. The main reason I visited Kobe was for the Kobe beef, for which you need to make a reservation to get the best experience.
Kobe is also famous for its breweries, but unfortunately being January 1st, they were closed, as were several museums. The main attractions are the old European houses in the Kitano area, Chinatown and nearby temples, the port area around Kobe Port Tower and I recommend taking the ropeway to the Herb Garden. One day in Kobe is enough and if you need to shorten your Japan itinerary I recommend a trip to Kobe for Kobe beef on the way back from Himeiji Castle (see day 15).
Japan itinerary days 10-13: Kyoto
Kyoto can be visited as a day trip from Osaka, but I recommend staying there for 3 nights so that you have enough time to explore this beautiful old capital of Japan. It is the most famous city in the Kansai region. Kyoto has over 600 temples, 17 of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kyoto. They are all worth seeing (17!) so you will need at least three days for this.
Probably the most famous are the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine. The latter is not part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites but is a symbol of Kyoto along with the famous orange arch. I will share a list of three separate day itineraries later on which temples are a must-see if you have one, two or three days in Kyoto. One thing I can guarantee is that you will not get bored with these three days in Kyoto and Kyoto should be on any Japan itinerary.
Japan Itinerary Day 14: One Day Trip to Horyu-ji
Horyuji is located just a 25-minute train ride west of Osaka and is home to a massive temple complex made up of the oldest wooden structures in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a nice half-day trip from Osaka and it was great because I visited it in the morning and the weather turned bad in the afternoon.
This was not a problem as the spa at the InterContinental Osaka was a great place to spend the rest of the day. The temple complex is huge but it takes about 2-3 hours on this Japan itinerary so it is not a full day trip. There is another pagoda, which is a pleasant 45 minute walk through the city into the countryside. I took a taxi from there to get to Osaka.
Japan Itinerary Day 15: Day Trip to Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is the most beautiful castle in the Kansai region and certainly in all of Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Himeji Castle is a one hour train ride from Osaka and takes about 4 hours including the climb inside the castle.
I was really impressed by the beauty of this castle and I highly recommend it to add to any Japan itinerary, especially if you are traveling to the Kansai region. There is a beautiful garden next to the castle which is worth visiting, although it was not as impressive in the winter. If you are not planning to visit Kobe, you can stop in Kobe on the way back to Osaka and eat Kobe beef. This is a must-eat in Japan.
Japan Itinerary Day 16: Departure
The above 14 days (+2 days arrival/departure) is a sample itinerary for Japan focusing on the capital Tokyo and the Kansai region. In my opinion, this is the best Japan itinerary for first-time travelers. You will learn about the history and culture, eat the best food, and see the bustling city life. I am sure you will enjoy Japan as much as I do and if you have any suggestions for changes to this itinerary, let me know in the comments. I know I skipped Mount Fuji which could have been an option for Snow Monkey. I did that because I know I will be back in Tokyo later and then visit Mount Fuji.
FAQ – 2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary
Q1: Is 2 weeks enough to explore Japan properly?
Yes, two weeks is an ideal amount of time to explore Japan’s main highlights. You can comfortably visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and one or two smaller towns while still enjoying a balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
Q2: What is the best time to visit Japan for a 2-week trip?
The best times to visit Japan are during spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for colorful foliage. Both seasons offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, perfect for sightseeing.
Q3: How much money should I budget for 2 weeks in Japan?
A mid-range traveler should budget around $2,000–$3,000 USD for two weeks, including accommodation, food, transportation (such as the JR Pass), and entry fees. Luxury travelers will need more, while budget backpackers can manage with less.
Q4: Should I buy a Japan Rail Pass for my trip?
Yes, the JR Pass is highly recommended if you plan to travel between multiple cities. It offers unlimited rides on most trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train), and can save you a lot of money over two weeks.
Q5: What are the must-visit places for a 2-week Japan itinerary?
Must-see destinations include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, and Mount Fuji/Hakone. You can also consider Kanazawa, Nikko, or Miyajima Island for a more unique experience.
Q6: Is Japan expensive for tourists?
Japan can be moderately expensive, but it’s possible to travel smart. Staying in business hotels, eating at local restaurants, and using public transport can significantly reduce costs while still offering great comfort and experience.
Q7: What should I pack for 2 weeks in Japan?
Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for the season, along with good walking shoes. Don’t forget a universal power adapter, portable Wi-Fi, and travel insurance.
Q8: Is Japan easy to navigate for English speakers?
Yes. While many locals don’t speak fluent English, Japan’s public transportation, signs, and maps are English-friendly. Major cities are very convenient for foreign travelers.
Q9: Can I use credit cards everywhere in Japan?
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s smart to carry some cash since smaller shops, street vendors, or rural areas may only accept yen.
Q10: How can I stay connected during my trip?
You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a Japanese SIM card at the airport or online before arriving. This ensures smooth navigation, translation, and communication during your trip.
Note: When planning your 2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary, always check the latest travel guidelines, transportation schedules, and regional weather updates before your trip. Japan is a country of diverse climates and traditions, so your experience may vary by season and region. Booking accommodations and train passes in advance can help you save both time and money. Also, respect local customs—such as removing shoes before entering homes or temples—and learn a few basic Japanese phrases to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.